[GSDGAL]

Nelson is my border collie cross kelpie. I live on 30 acres in the middle of nowhere, but next door has 80 head of sheep currently grazing and Nelson has taken it upon himself to do some probono herding, which is causing I and the guy that owns them, all sorts of headaches. I currently have half an acre with 7 foot fences sectioned off for the dogs during the day...nelson can clear the fence without even touching it...he's just so active and ina few months I move to a smaller acreage in a not so rural area. My friend has offered to take him and train him up as a sheep dog as he's only 6 months old...I just love him so much, but due to my commitments I can't justify keeping such a full on dog, all my other dogs are so quiet compared to him, should i give him to my friend and let him do what he obviously loves to do...also i've decided against adoption until I finish University...tell me what to do

just giving it a bump

 

[deege39]

This is going to sound tacky and lame... But do what you feel comfortable with...

He is your dog, and I doubt you give up your dogs like they're pennies; But if it's nagging you, I'd sit down and really ponder it, and see what your heart tells you to do...

My step-mother's made comments about me giving Donatello to her, this was before she got a third dog... Donatello would be happy as pie over there, but at the same time... Donatello needs discipline in his life, like any dog- Their dogs lack enough as it is, and I'd rather give Donatello a life of discipline, then just let him have his life doing whatever he wants regardless if it has consequences.

Am I making sense to anyone else besides myself? lol!

 

[GSDGAL]

I understand what you're saying. Nelson was bred on a 6000 acre property to a long line of working parents. It's just in him, he's always working (as i say this i'm yelling out the window telling him to leave the horse alone). I think it's just in him to work, my friend can give him the opportunity to do that, where as I am a full time uni student who has 4 dogs and this is the hardest thing i've ever even considered doing. I can't take time out for agility or anything like that, the other dogs are happy with a bi daily walk, but not him...ARGH I HATE THIS!

 

[Darkmoon]

Follow your heart. I know you want someone to just point blank give you an answer but I think you already know the answer honestly.

Sometimes rehoming a dog is FAR nicer then keeping him and no one here will look down on you for placing him in a home that is right for him and a better fit.

You'll still see him often since he's with a friend. And with you moving into town that might be a better place for him.

But honestly follow your heart. You know what will be best *hugs*

 

[deege39]

Aww... Well I'm sorry you're at a crossroad with this. : ( I feel terrible myself, I'm coming to realizations that my dog is more comfortable being a brat at a stranger's house than at mine. (It sounds cute, but it's not...)

I know how it feels to have a dog you love and you want, but for some reason that dog just isn't right for *you*... I don't look at it like you're wrong for your dog, but just that... You and your dog have different goals and objectives in life...

(I'm not sure if that's making sense, either, it's late for me... lol!)

At least though, if you do have to give him up, he won't go far right? Just to your neighbor's property?

 

[spotted nikes]

Personally, if I couldn't keep him contained then I would let your friend have him to train him for a job he loves. Plus, in many states, if a dog is harassing livestock, it can be shot on sight. I'd be really worried for the dog's safety if he continues to get out and truies to herd the neighbor's sheep.

Just make sure you have something in place where if he can't keep him, he returns him to you.

It would be heartbreaking to make that choice, but think how happy he would be doing something he is bred for.